Compare the2022 BMW X5 MVS 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE

The BMW X5 M has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG GLE doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X5 M has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG GLE doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 M has standard Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG GLE doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X5 M’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG GLE.

Both the X5 M and the AMG GLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 M is safer than the Mercedes AMG GLE:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 M its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 113 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG GLE has not been tested, yet.

The X5 M’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG GLE’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 M for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the AMG GLE.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The X5 M’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 171 more horsepower (600 vs. 429) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 384) than the AMG GLE 53’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid. The X5 M Competition’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 14 more horsepower (617 vs. 603) than the AMG GLE 63 S’ standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid.

For better traction, the X5 M has larger tires than the AMG GLE (F:295/35R21 & R:315/30R21 vs. 275/50R20). The X5 M’s front tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG GLE (295/35R21 vs. 285/40R22).

The X5 M’s 295/35R21 front and 315/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG GLE 53’s standard 50 series tires. The X5 M’s tires are lower profile than the AMG GLE’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 M has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 20-inch wheels are standard on the AMG GLE 53.

The front grille of the X5 M uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG GLE doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X5 M has .3 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more front shoulder room than the AMG GLE.

The X5 M has a larger cargo volume than the AMG GLE with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 33.3 cubic feet).

The X5 M’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The AMG GLE’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The X5 M offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The AMG GLE doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The X5 M has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the AMG GLE.

The X5 M will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X5 M will retain 46.44% of its original price after five years, while the AMG GLE only retains 44.65% to 44.99%.

The BMW X5 outsold the Mercedes GLE by 5% during 2020.